I know that Eastmans generally does not like to get too involved in political process, but there are some very important bills being introduced in multiple states right now that could have a huge effect on Public Land Hunting. See this link:

The States may or may not be able to better manage public land; but one thing is for sure, the only citizens who will benefit from the Sale of BLM lands will be a few developers and realtors. Not to mention the access nightmares this could cause.

If you are a Colorado resident that hunts Public Land, get involved! Write your State legislators and tell them you oppose selling Public Lands.

In God We Trust

02-07-2012, 02:29 PM

I just called Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg who is heading this fight. He didin't answer, I will let you know what he has to say when he calls me back. I am 100% against this. If he thinks it is acceptable to sell our land to fund schools and other projects he is insane. Maybe the State Govt. should live within their means instead of selling off the prizes jewel of Colorado. Where will it end? After they sell all of the public land in the state so they can continue to waste our money. I am a registered Republican just like this idiot pushing this fight. If you disagree with what he is doing flood his office with calls and E-mails.

Bitterroot Bulls

02-07-2012, 02:41 PM

This isn't about politics, this is about greed. There are some developers "investing" in this scheme, masquerading as states' rights. I am not a Coloradan, but if I were I would be screaming bloody murder to my representatives. I believe tar and feathers are in order here.

Teddy Roosevelt would roll over in his grave over this one.

sjsmallfield

02-07-2012, 02:49 PM

+1 on that BB.

EdD270

02-07-2012, 04:39 PM

Amen, brother. I'm against selling off "public" land to developers, or anyone else. I am very much in favor of the states taking over management of ALL "public" lands instead of the Federal government. The Feds are too inclined to lock up "public" lands so most people can't get access, to appease the eco-nazis, but the states are more responsive to what their citizens want.

Colorado Cowboy

02-08-2012, 08:38 AM

If the feds think this has any chance of becoming reality, whats to stop them from making all the national forests into national parks! For that matter BLM too. Good God that would be a worse nightmare. Remember Teddy Roosevelt did it WITHOUT congress, so there is a precedent there.

In God We Trust

02-08-2012, 02:15 PM

I am not sure if it would be a good idea for states to take control of all federal lands or not. For western states it would work to the hunters advantage because the western states are pro gun and pro hunting. Other states that have politicians that are against guns and hunting like Illinois and New York could try to stop or limit hunting on these lands. There is a lot to consider. The thing I am sure of is if states gain control of said land there should be a provision in the bill that prohibits them from selling any of the land. They should only have the right to manage it.

Bitterroot Bulls

02-08-2012, 02:31 PM

Maybe I am the only one, and don't throw things at me, but I think the Forest Service (I don't hunt much BLM) does a decent job around here. I don't agree with everything they do, but overall not bad.

I know it is selfish as a backpack hunter, but I appreciate having some designated wilderness/roadless areas to hunt. I definitely don't want roads in every corner of my huntin' grounds.

OK, now call me a commie, lefty, whatever ... let me have it!
:p

Colorado Cowboy

02-08-2012, 02:39 PM

Maybe I am the only one, and don't throw things at me, but I think the Forest Service (I don't hunt much BLM) does a decent job around here. I don't agree with everything they do, but overall not bad.

I know it is selfish as a backpack hunter, but I appreciate having some designated wilderness/roadless areas to hunt. I definitely don't want roads in every corner of my huntin' grounds.
I tend to agree with you for the most part. there are some things they do that are a little irritating to me...like in California requiring a wilderness permit to enter some of the wilderness areas. But for the most part they work real hard at it. The thing is they have to deal with what Washington dishes out to them as far as policy goes.
OK, now call me a commie, lefty, whatever ... let me have it!
:p

I sure screwed up this post!

In God We Trust

02-08-2012, 03:00 PM

Well put Bitterroot Bulls. I had not thought of that. I also back pack into the wilderness and enjoy large tracts of land without roads. I agree with you 100%! The system we have in place now works well for the majority of Americans so why change it. I like the crowd in the forum here overall. People seem to stay pretty civil and a lot of good points of view are brought to discussions.

sjsmallfield

02-09-2012, 12:16 AM

Maybe I am the only one, and don't throw things at me, but I think the Forest Service (I don't hunt much BLM) does a decent job around here. I don't agree with everything they do, but overall not bad.

I know it is selfish as a backpack hunter, but I appreciate having some designated wilderness/roadless areas to hunt. I definitely don't want roads in every corner of my huntin' grounds.

OK, now call me a commie, lefty, whatever ... let me have it!
:p

Okay I'll take the first stab. Are you really a lefty? Maybe thats why you missed that shot on the deer last year. You are shooting on the wrong side of the gun. JK Lol. I had to say something.
On another note I would have to agree that the USFS does a pretty good job here as well.

Bitterroot Bulls

02-09-2012, 06:26 AM

Haha SJS!

Nope, right handed shooter here. That miss was simple operator error. Not something I usually do, either. I almost edited that miss out, but the truth is the truth, even if it stings...

Back to the OP,

Our Federal and State lands haven't been sold outright here in MT, but there have been some trades. This reduced some of the "Checkerboard" public lands, and always seemed to benefit the public. The trades only happened after long opportunities for public comment.